Ian McCall Draws Newcomer in Tachi Title Fight

Ian McCall still has a fight at Tachi Palace Fights 11, and it is still to contest the title belt wrapped firmly around his waist.

Jeremy Luchau, the entertainment coordinator at Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, told MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday morning that Josh Rave has agreed to step in for original opponent Will Campuzano.

McCall and Rave will meet for the TPF flyweight championship on Dec. 2 in Lemoore, Calif.

Rave (18-8) is a product of the Midwest scene, training alongside the likes of UFC fighter Jason Brilz. He’s in for the biggest opportunity of his career, as TPF is a bastion for lighter weight talent, providing him with a solid platform, as the UFC prepares to launch its own flyweight division sometime in the near future.

Jussier da Silva, one of the top flyweights in the world, wanted to take the fight and rematch McCall, but had issues with his visa.

“I’m not going to say this wasn’t a difficult replacement,” Luchau concurred. “The flyweight division is still developing and I believe a majority of the standouts in the division are not itching to fight a guy like Ian McCall right now with the UFC looming on the horizon.”

Luchau believes they managed to salvage the fight, signing a solid replacement.

“Rave is a Top 10 guy in a lot of rankings and most of his losses have been to some of the better talent at (135 pounds). We felt like this is the best possible fight we could put together right now.”